Easy Oven Baked Chicken Tetrazzini
Few meals are as comforting as a creamy oven baked chicken tetrazzini. This classic casserole combines tender shredded chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti, rich cream of mushroom soup, and melted cheddar cheese into a hearty family dinner that’s both affordable and satisfying.
Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or meal prep, this easy chicken tetrazzini recipe uses everyday pantry ingredients to create a creamy pasta bake everyone will love. It also makes excellent leftovers, with flavors becoming even richer the next day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, creamy comfort food
- Budget-friendly pantry ingredients
- Great way to use leftover or rotisserie chicken
- Perfect for meal prep
- Family-friendly dinner
- Freezer-friendly
- Easy to customize with vegetables or different cheeses
Ingredients
- 12 ounces dry spaghetti, broken in half
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 2 cans (10.5 ounces each) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1½ cups water
- 2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Butter or cooking spray
Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until slightly under al dente, then drain well.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and water until smooth. Stir in the salt and black pepper.
4. Combine Everything
Add the cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, and 1½ cups of cheddar cheese. Toss until everything is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
5. Assemble
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top.
6. Bake
Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15–20 minutes, until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the cheese is beautifully golden.
7. Rest & Serve
Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving for the creamiest texture.
Recipe Benefits
- High in protein from shredded chicken.
- A satisfying one-dish family meal.
- Uses affordable pantry staples.
- Ideal for using leftover chicken.
- Easy to prepare ahead for busy evenings.
- Reheats beautifully for lunch or dinner.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this creamy chicken spaghetti casserole with:
- Fresh green salad
- Steamed broccoli
- Green beans
- Garlic bread
- Dinner rolls
- Roasted vegetables
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Add a splash of milk before reheating to restore the creamy texture.
Recipe Tips
- Rotisserie chicken saves time.
- Cook the pasta slightly under al dente so it finishes perfectly in the oven.
- Mix cheddar with mozzarella for extra gooey cheese.
- Add peas or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
- Sprinkle Parmesan on top for a crisp golden finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken is one of the easiest and most flavorful options.
Can I freeze chicken tetrazzini?
Absolutely. Freeze before or after baking for up to 3 months.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
What cheese works best?
Cheddar provides rich flavor, while mozzarella adds extra creaminess. A combination of both is delicious.
Can I substitute cream of mushroom soup?
Yes. Cream of chicken or cream of celery soup also work well.
